IFM Safety Light Curtains Can Detect Fingers

IFM Electronic has released safety light curtains that feature 14mm resolution, fine enough to detect a finger. Designed for areas of machine access where an operator's fingers could become trapped, the latest additions to the OY range of light curtains meet Type 4 to IEC 61496, SIL3 to IEC 61508 and PLe to ISO 13849. Ten versions of the 14mm resolution types make up this additional selection, with protected area heights ranging from 160 up to 1510mm in 150mm increments.

Each of the 10 types will protect an area up to 6m wide and combinations are possible to cover areas on adjoining planes. The OY series light curtains and grids are available as Type 2 or Type 4 to IEC 61496 in heights from 160 to 1510mm covering distances up to 20m with resolutions from 14 to 90mm. On all products the beams are incorporated right up to the end of the 28 x 30mm housing, allowing installation without deadband.

IFM Safety Light Curtains Meet Latest Standards

IFM Electronic has introduced the OY series of safety light curtains, which meet the latest standards. The Machinery Directive, coming into force at end of this year, will require that equipment meets new standards, particularly where safety is concerned. The new standards are already met by IFM's light curtain range.

The range offers safety integrity levels to IEC 61508 and performance levels to ISO 13849. The light curtains and grids in the series are available as Type 2 or Type 4 to IEC 61496 in heights from 160mm to 1,510mm, covering a distance up to 12m. They come in a very slim housing, measuring only 28mm x 30mm, according to the company.

The beams are incorporated right up to the end of the housing, allowing installation without deadband. Available resolutions cover 30mm, 40mm, 50mm and 90mm in the light curtains, while the grids come with two, three or four beams. The series also features simple mounting and a range of accessories, including mirrors, relays for muting and vibration dampers. Connection is made via standard M12 connectors.

IFM Temperature Switch Has Longer Probe

The latest temperature switch from IFM Electronic has been developed with a longer probe. The setting rings on the TK temperature switch show where to set the output temperature. The desired switching temperature can be set on the bench or in the process.

The Pt1000 element is designed to provide lasting, reliable and accurate sensing of the temperature. Two LEDs indicate the switching status and readiness for operation. The TK is corrosion resistant as its wetted parts are high-grade stainless steel. It is available in five versions, with a temperature setting range between -25 and 140C ( -13 and 284F), with either two separate switch points with fixed hysteresis, or adjustable set and reset points. Operating voltage is 10 to 30V DC and both the outputs can handle 500mA.

IFM Announces Pressure Sensor Series

IFM Electronic has launched the PMP series of pressure sensors. The PMP series features hygienic design, high accuracy, connectivity and suitability for hazardous areas. Via Profibus PA the PMP series can offer extended diagnostic capabilities beyond just the signal processing. The high degree of accuracy of 0.2 per cent is achieved by electronic temperature compensation and improved temperature decoupling.

The flush process connection is via IFM's EHEDG-certified modular hygienic adapter system, allowing integration via common process adapters, ideal for CIP or other applications. Via Profibus PA, the PMP series offers extended diagnostic capabilities beyond signal processing. To ensure this, the unit carries out self-tests while in operation.

The diagnosis status can be polled cyclically or acyclically via the Profibus master. Food and pharmaceutical processes may give rise to explosive vapours or dust clouds, leading to classification of the working area as a hazardous zone under DSEAR/ATEX. Four units of the PMP range are certified 1G and 1D/2D for these applications. The pressure range that the PMP series will monitor is split over four common spans in separate devices.

IFM Enhances Inductive Proximity Switches

Analogue inductive proximity switches from IFM Electronic have longer sensing ranges and improved linearity. These proximity switches safely detect the tiniest changes in distance and provide a linear analogue signal - depending on the version - with a voltage output (0-10V) or current output (4-20mA).

The switches feature a repeatability of less than two per cent and linear output characteristics better than three per cent of the final value of the measuring range over the whole operating range. The sensors are supplied in cylindrical M12, M18 and M30 designs. The enhanced operating range depending on housing size and mounting type can be 0.2mm to 2mm for flush-mountable M12, and 1mm to 26mm from the non-flush rectangular version.

The response time of less than 10ms (type dependant) allows use of the sensors in processes that require fast control. The sensors have an operating temperature range of -25C to 80C.